Mario Rimardi

"Wish I had discovered InterNations before I relocated to Kenya. It's really helpful on both a private and a professional level. "

Caroline Hayes

"Expats on InterNations gave us valuable hints for finding an appropriate school in Nairobi for our two children."

Welcome to the InterNations Expat Community for Modern, Thriving, Nairobi

Jambo, and a warm welcome to InterNations! The InterNations Community for expats in Nairobi is packed with guides, advice and insider tips on establishing a new life in Kenya's bustling capital. From making the initial move and learning about the city's 85 wards to becoming part of the expat workforce, you'll find the comprehensive information you need right here. Read our guides for the answers to questions like, "how do I access healthcare in Nairobi?", "what taxes will I need to pay?", and even "how do I indulge my love of music in Nairobi?". Then head to our forum to ask other expats in Nairobi for restaurant recommendations and where to find English-language cinemas; our members have a huge wealth of experience for you to build upon and are always happy to share their knowledge.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you move to another city or go on a business trip
somewhere — our communities are there to make you feel at home wherever you are in the world. Feel free to
also check out our other vibrant InterNations Communities like the ones in
Dubai or
Riyadh.

Our Global Partners

Find More Information in Our Nairobi Expat Guides

Nairobi, “the Green City in the Sun”, is the political, economic, and cultural heart of East Africa. The InterNations Expat Guide on moving to Nairobi introduces expatriates to the ever-growing metropolis. In addition to a city profile, we provide you with tips on housing and safety.

Expat living in Nairobi is an exciting experience. The city isn’t just the capital of Kenya, it’s also the “Safari Capital of the World”. While there are lots of opportunities for ecotourism, this isn’t what daily life in Nairobi is about. We introduce culture, healthcare, and schools here.

Working in Nairobi puts you at the heart of the Kenyan economy. The capital employs a huge percentage of the working population and generates much of Kenya’s GDP. Find out more about expat jobs, permits, living expenses, and taxation in our InterNations Guide!

Exchange Tips about living in Nairobi

Get trustworthy advice and local insights from fellow members in our Nairobi expat forums.

Getting to Know Nairobi, the Expat Way

As the largest city in East Africa, Nairobi is not only the capital city of Kenya, but also is considered as the financial center in this region. Living in Nairobi means enjoying a pleasant climate, and expats can enjoy outdoor activities and sports without the discomfort of oppressive temperatures. For the nature enthusiasts among you, Nairobi is paradise, not only in the popular safaris through the Nairobi National Park but also in the various wildlife and conservation centers allowing you to get up close to giraffes, baby elephants, and rhinoceroses before visiting the Nairobi Arboretum for guided nature walks and bird watching.
The more active can indulge in a range of sports, from running and horseback riding, to football and golf, and of course the irresistible diving and hiking opportunities that allow you to take in more of Nairobi's beauty. Don't think these activities are just for tourists; joining the InterNations Sports & Hiking, Swimming, or Golf & Cocktails Group are great ways to meet new friends while making unforgettable memories.
With such stunning natural views and friendly local people, Nairobi stands out from other African cities as a popular expat destination. However, security issues should be taken into consideration before moving to Nairobi. Whether you choose to live in an apartment in downtown or rent a house outside of the city, making sure you stay safe should of course always take top priority. Neighborhoods such as Karen and Langata are popular among expats since they provide a wealth of amenities within easy walking distance and the location is quite convenient so that you can reach everywhere in town within an hour. Expats coming here with their kids should not worry too much about local education. There are plenty of international schools offering premium education for expat kids.
If you decide to work in Nairobi, you'll find that the fast-growing economy, thriving job market and widespread use of the English language are a big draw for expats. The main industries include finance, real estate, insurance, and communication. You'll also find opportunities in retail, healthcare, and of course, Nairobi's booming tourist market. Agriculture is a major employer for locals. Once you secure your employment contract, a working permit must be obtained from the Principal Immigration Officer. Additionally, it is essential to know some local business etiquette before you kick off your professional life in Nairobi even though Western business practices play a dominant role in the workplace. You can find out more in our guide on working in Nairobi.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 390 cities across the
globe. Get to know fellow internationals in your city, before you're moving, or when traveling somewhere
and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat
friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the
world. Whether they live in
Jeddah or
Beijing,
InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Find New Friends with InterNations Groups

Expats who come to Nairobi for the first time may spend some time adapting themselves to local culture and customs in the beginning. Therefore, keeping in touch with some locals and like-minded people will help you find your feet and ease your relocation. Don't forget that InterNations is also the doorway to a new social world with our regularly organized activities in our interest-based groups. Arts and culture, photography, swimming, books, and road trips are just some of the interests you can join in with through our community. In addition, InterNations offers you great networking events to stay connected to other global minds. You'll soon discover that you are part of an interesting and outgoing group of expats in Nairobi. InterNations provides advice, answers, and a social network of friends to ensure your relocation to Nairobi is as easy and enjoyable as possible.

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Mario Rimardi

"Wish I had discovered InterNations before I relocated to Kenya. It's really helpful on both a private and a professional level. "

Caroline Hayes

"Expats on InterNations gave us valuable hints for finding an appropriate school in Nairobi for our two children."